Short Answers

By Jeff Johnson and Paula Forman

LOOK ELSEWHERE

Dear Short Answers:
There is a girl at work who I like a lot so I asked her out on a “date.” She was very nice about it but told me that she was gay. I accepted that and didn’t ask her again but then I found out totally accidentally that she is dating a guy. Do you think the gay thing was just an excuse? Or maybe she’s changed her mind. Should I ask her out again and tell her that I know she isn’t TOTALLY gay??
Still Interested

Dear Interested:
Whatever the reason, she is clearly NOT interested in you. IF she changes her mind about you, leave it to her to get in touch.

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW

Dear Short Answers:
Can a relationship between a 50-year old woman and a 35-year old man possibly last? There is no money involved — neither has any — but I worry my friend (the 50-year old woman) is headed for heartbreak. What do you think?
A Good Friend

Dear friend:
Yes, we think it could last, but that may not be the point. If your friend is happy, be happy.

LEAVE THE GUN, KEEP THE CANNOLI

Dear Short Answers:
I got a present from my ex on Valentine’s Day and my current boyfriend went crazy. He wants me to return the gift (nice earrings). I don’t want to and he won’t let it go.
Penny

Dear Penny:
Assuming old BF’s gift was a lovely gesture to a PAST romance, reassure current BF. Keep the earrings and don’t wear them around him for awhile. If something else is going on, we bow out.

WHEN ACTION IS SOFTER THAN WORDS

Dear Short Answers:
I have an older friend who has always been very attractive and very particular about her appearance. Recently, she has started to wear heavier and heavier make-up — it looks like she put it on with a putty knife. I am sure that she would be humiliated to know how bad she looks and that people are whispering behind her back. Is there a nice way that I can let her know that she needs a stronger light in her bathroom and a lighter touch with her make-up?
A Good Friend

Dear Goodie:
If she is a really good friend, next time, pull her aside (privately, no audience, please) and say “let me fix this.” Once over lightly with a Kleenex and she will get the point.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

Dear Short Answers:
What do you think of assisted suicide for the terminally ill?
EEJ

Dear EEJ:
Although we are respectful of the many religious, philosophical and medical objections, we believe that having options is almost always helpful. Particularly, in this case.

CONTEXT IS EVERYTHING

Dear Short Answers:
How do you tell the difference between love and sex?
Need to Know

Dear Need to Know:
If you really need to know — you already know. Otherwise don’t ask the question.

Life is complicated.  Short Answers isn’t. 

Send a question about whatever is bothering you to [email protected] or go to www.shortanswers.net and a psychologist and sociologist will answer.  A selection of the best questions will be printed every week in KonkLife.

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